Grand National winner Don't Push It retired | Horse Racing News | Racing Post Tony McCoy wins the Grand National on Don't Push It at Aintree in 2010 PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos) Grand National winner Don't Push It retired By Andrew King 7:45AM 10 JAN 2012 DON'T PUSH IT, the horse who finally realised Tony McCoy's dream of winning the Grand National, has run his last race and is set to enjoy his retirement at owner JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in Ireland. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained 12-year-old famously landed the National at Aintree in 2010 to provide the trainer, McManus and champion jockey McCoy with their first victory in the world's greatest chase. Don't Push It returned to Aintree last April and finished a gallant third behind Ballabriggs. He looked to be all set for a third run in the John Smith's-sponsored showpiece this spring when running well on his seasonal comeback to finish sixth in a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November.

However, the decision to retire him was made on Monday and O'Neill explained: "Don't Push It remains in good heart and looks a picture out in his field at the bottom of the gallops where he has lived with the sheep who have kept him company for a few years now. "But he had not really been sparkling in his recent homework and the last thing we wanted to do was make him carry on doing something he was not really happy with. "After speaking with JP and his racing manager Frank Berry we all decided the best thing to do was call it a day as he owes nobody anything after what he has done. He'll now be off to JP's stud for a long retirement." Don't Push It with trainer Jonjo O'Neill at Jackdaws Castle PICTURE: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos) Quoted on Twitter, McCoy said: "I am sad that Don't Push It has been retired as he give me the greatest day in my racing life but happy that he is retiring safe and sound." Don't Push It ran 29 times in a career spanning seven years. He landed eight races and produced many notable placed efforts in top races, amassing more than £750,000 in prize-money.

O'Neill added: "I think we'll always remember the magical day he won the Grand National as it was one of the greatest afternoons in the life of myself, JP and AP as we had all been trying to win the race for so many years. "But the old horse will want for nothing in retirement at JP's. However it will be not be easy to replace him in the yard and he'll be missed by everyone at Jackdaws Castle and, I am sure, the jump racing world as a whole." BBC Sport - Horse Racing - Tony McCoy wins Grand National on Don't Push It Tony McCoy wins Grand National on Don't Push It Don't Push It wins the Grand National Tony McCoy ended his Grand National jinx in superb style as he claimed victory at the 15th attempt on board 10-1 joint favourite Don't Push It. Don't Push It jumped the last with Black Apalachi but pulled away down the straight to give trainer Jonjo O'Neill and owner JP McManus their first wins. Black Apalachi (14-1) was five lengths behind, ahead of State of Play (16-1).

Joint favourite Big Fella Thanks, with Barry Geraghty replacing injured jockey Ruby Walsh, finished fourth. McCoy, the 14-time champion jockey, has ridden more than 3,000 winners, but Grand National victory had remained frustratingly elusive, with three third-place finishes his best efforts before Saturday. McCoy thanks trainer The 35-year-old Northern Irishman, who first rode the National in 1995, was close to tears as he spoke to BBC Sport after crossing the finish line of the four-and-a-half-mile marathon. "I'm being a big wuss. It means everything to me to win the Grand National. "I've won lots of big races and I'm supposed to be a good jockey, but to not win the Grand National would be a bit of a negative on the CV." Trainer O'Neill, who never won the race as a jockey, also celebrated an emotional win. Walsh, twice a winner of the National, suffered a broken arm in a heavy fall on Celestial Halo in the Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle earlier on the card. He was replaced by Geraghty, with Richard Johnson taking over on Geraghty's original mount Tricky Trickster.

But Big Fella Thanks nonetheless went out as joint favourite along with Don't Push It, after a late flurry of bets on McCoy's mount. Grand National - closing stages (UK users only) And there was more drama at the start as King Johns Castle, ridden by Paul Carberry, refused to race, despite stewards holding the start to allow the horse to settle. As Conna Castle made the early running, McCoy bided his time on the first circuit. But he later revealed that during that first circuit he had an inkling that this could be his day. "I had a strange feeling early on that the horse was enjoying what he was doing," McCoy told BBC Radio 5 live on Sunday. "But you have to keep your concentration and the more the race went on, the more I got the buzz." And with four fences of the 30 to go, he surged to the front and eventually won by a decisive margin. Black Apalachi, trained in Ireland by Dessie Hughes, was left trailing in his wake. His jockey Denis O'Regan said: "He was a bit keen early on but once he settled into a lovely rhythm he was fantastic.

It's a pleasure to ride a horse like him round here." Paul Moloney's mount State of Play, went one better than his fourth position last time round for Welsh trainer Evan Williams. Moloney said: "It was a serious run from a serious horse who has been very good to me and he might win it next year." Hello Bud, ridden prominently throughout by 17-year-old Sam Twiston-Davies, was in contention at the second last but faded to finish fifth. Nina Carberry, attempting to become the first woman to win the race on Character Building, finished in seventh, behind the well-backed Snowy Morning. Last year's winner Mon Mome was going well when he fell at the 26th fence. Preists Leap was the last of 14 finishers, by which time celebrations in the Don't Push It camp were well under way. Grand National - how they fared McManus, a former joint-owner of Manchester United, paid tribute to racing manager Frank Berry, who found the horse in Listowel. "I don't think without Frank we would have had the horse," he said.

"Full marks to Jonjo and the team as he's been a difficult horse down the years to keep right and keep his mind right." McCoy waited until Thursday to choose Don't Push It ahead of Can't Buy Time, who unseated jockey Richie McLernon at the eighth fence. "My trainer put me on the right one if truth be known," he said. "I asked him to toss a coin and I think he tossed it a few times until he got Don't Push It. I couldn't have picked it, but Jonjo was very adamant and I didn't argue with him. "If you get enough goes at something and you keep going, once you're in there you've always got a chance. 606: DEBATE Grand National 2010 - as it happened | Chris Cook and James Dart | Sport | theguardian.com Grand National Grand National 2010 - as it happened Tony McCoy finally won the National as Don't Push It - his 15th ride in the race - provided the champ with a famous win Saturday 10 April 2010 11.24 BST Tony McCoy celebrates on Don't Push It.

Photograph: David Davies/PA Preamble Good morning and welcome to our coverage from Grand National day. It's a bright, sunny day at Aintree , where today's card kicks off at 1.45pm, with four races before the showpiece, due off at 4.15pm . In the meantime, why not read how Donald McCain is hoping to follow in his father Ginger's footsteps and train a winner in the National, today in the form of Cloudy Lane . Click here for all the day's racecards, form, stats and results. And click here for today's latest odds and market movers. 11.45am Is it a Snowy day? The most tipped horse in the national newspapers today is Snowy Morning, who has three votes, while Niche Market, King Johns Castle and, weirdly, Ballyfitz have two each. There are other tips for Big Fella Thanks, Eric's Charm, Comply Or Die, Backstage and Black Apalachi. So that's a quarter of the field that the tipsters have covered between them. What are the odds that they've missed the winner?

11.50am Money for the outsiders In common with the newspaper tipsters, it seems that the betting public is not especially interested by the Grand National favourite, Big Fella Thanks. The PR people for the major bookmakers are reporting that the interesting big bets this morning have been for other horses. Kate Miller of William Hill says they've taken a £5,000 bet to win on State Of Play, a 16-1 shot, while David Williams of Ladbrokes says they've had two bets of £2,000 on Beat The Boys at 100-1 and have laid a total of £20,000 on Dream Alliance at 40-1. 11.59am Backstage the mover on Betfair Disturbingly for those of us who think the ground has come right for the Irish raider Backstage, the eight-year-old drifted out to 39-1 on Betfair last night, suggesting that perhaps all was not well with him. Happily he has now been supported into 29-1, so hopefully there is nothing to worry about.

Last year's winner, Mon Mome, is a slight drifter now, out to 16-1 from an opening 14-1. 12.04pm A Dream Alliance joke Dream Alliance, as we should all know by now , is the fairytale waiting to happen in this year's National. The chestnut was foaled and raised on a tiny allotment on a slagheap in Wales, just north of the M4. So how will he jump those big Aintree fences? Caerphilly! 12.13pm The going gets faster The going on the Grand National course is now good, with good to soft places, meaning there is as little moisture in the ground as there ever is at Aintree. It is a dramatic change from what was expected 10 days ago, when parts of the course were heavy and a soft-ground race was widely anticipated. Among the horses who should be suited by decent ground are Backstage, Beat The Boys, Mon Mome, Cloudy Lane, State Of Play, Maljimar and Ollie Magern. Those who would probably prefer softer going include Eric's Charm, Preists Leap, Vic Venturi and Dream Alliance.

12.21pm McCoy picks up spare ride Those who follow the champion jockey might like to note that Tony McCoy has picked up a spare ride in the race before the National, the 3.25pm, in which he will ride Rare Bob. He replaces Paddy Flood, who broke his collar bone in a fall yesterday. 12.24pm Two more good-ground horses Will Hayler, our tipster at the track, nominates My Will and Niche Market as two other horses who will be well suited by the good-ish ground on the National course today. Will has, of course, tipped Niche Market in this morning's Guardian. 12.28pm Non-runners As yet, there are no non-runners in the Grand National, but some horses have been pulled out of the other races at Aintree today. In the second race at 2.15, French Opera and Green Belt Elite are out. Souffler will not line up for the third race at 2.50pm, while Offshore Account is a non-runner in the 3.25pm. Arctic Wings has been taken out of the 5pm race.

12.30pm Big Fella friendless The Grand National favourite, Big Fella Thanks, has been so poorly backed that several firms are now offering bigger odds than they had first thing this morning. He is a top price of 11-1 now, a point bigger than he was on the high street when the betting shops opened. His trainer, Paul Nicholls, has dominated jump racing for several years but has failed to win the National so far, despite fielding 44 runners since 1992. He also has Tricky Trickster, My Will and Nozic running for him today. 12.36pm Fingers crossed that it isn't yours . . . Over on the chatroom at Betfair, a tasteful discussion is taking place as to which horse will be the first to fall in today's National. Ballyfitz is the only horse that has so far been nominated more than once. It is true to say that he has not always been the cleanest of jumpers and our best wishes go with him and his jockey, David England. 12.57pm A grey day?

In the Grand National's history, which goes back more than 170 years, there have only ever been two grey-coloured winners (not counting the jockeys). The most recent grey was Nicolaus Silver in 1961. But there are four greys running today who, between them, must have a good chance of rewarding those who like to back horses of that colour. They are Beat The Boys, Character Building, King Johns Castle and Piraya. 1.21pm McCoy playing it cool The retired jockey Mick Fitzgerald is on the BBC just now, teasing Tony McCoy about the fact that he has never won the National and saying he seems very relaxed for someone with such a monkey on his back. "I've got past the stage of being not relaxed about it," McCoy replied, with what seemed an unforced smile. He said his ambition was always to be champion jockey and his ability to reach that ambition each season, he feels, is something he is able to control. "Whereas the National is something I have no control over." 1.25pm Aintree's first race is up in 15 minutes . . .

The hot favourite for the novice hurdle that opens today's card is Peddlers Cross at 5-4. He is trained by Donald McCain, son of Ginger, who trained Red Rum to win three Grand Nationals back in the 70s. 1.50pm Peddlers Cross wins the opener That's got favourite-backers off to a good start on Grand National day. Peddlers Cross (5-4), a winner at the Cheltenham Festival last month, has followed up at Aintree and is a really classy-looking horse. He thrived on this decent ground and settled in nicely behind a strong pace set by Bygones Of Brid, who faded. Duke Of Lucca (7-1) was second. Paul Nicholls' Najaf (4-1), who had been second in a longer race at Cheltenham, was outpaced at the top of the straight but ran on strongly in the last quarter-mile to be third. He needs three miles to be seen at his best. The winning trainer and jockey, Donald McCain and Jason Maguire, will team up later with Cloudy Lane in the Grand National. 2.07pm Tensions rising in the heat . . .

John Smith's, sponsors of the Grand National, have provided paddock sheets bearing their logo to be worn by every runner as it enters the paddock before the big race this afternoon. The rules state that each horse must wear the sheet. Ordinarily at this time of year, trainers would wish to ensure that their horses have paddock sheets on until the jockey gets on board. But it's unseasonably hot in Liverpool today and a couple of trainers are making enquiries as to whether they can be allowed to wriggle out of the rule, because they don't want their horses getting warm and sweating up under those sheets before the National. 2.19pm Tataniano wins the novice chase A very impressive success by Tataniano (100-3), who bounded off this fast ground. The horse pulled his way to the front down the back straight, probably before his jockey, Ruby Walsh, really wanted to get there, and the pair had the race in safe keeping some way from home. Osana, the 5-2 favourite, ran on to be second, with Archie Boy (12-1) third.

Graham Lee took a heavy fall late in the race but appears to be OK and should be able to ride The Package in the National. 2.26pm Boost for Big Fella Tataniano, of course, represents the same trainer/jockey combination (Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh) as Big Fella Thanks, the National favourite. The BBC team are reporting support for Big Fella Thanks ("down to 8-1 in places" they cry), though he still remains 11-1 in other places. 2.44pm Greg Wood reports on Tataniano's win Tataniano took the Grade One Maghull Novice Chase in outstanding style and may now be put away to preserve him for next season. "Obviously we were all very impressed with that," Andy Stewart, his owner, said. "Ruby [Walsh, the jockey] said we should look after him and we'll come back next year in all the top two-mile races. "He's got to have good ground. We shouldn't have run him at Newbury [on soft ground in January] when he got turned over at 2-5, but it's beautiful, safe jumping ground today and he beat some very good horses.

"We could maybe go to Punchestown, but we think he could go to the top and we need to look after him. The Champion Chase would be a big mountain to climb, he's got a stone and a half to find to be good enough, but the way he jumps means that the Tingle Creek [at Sandown in December] could be ideal for him. "He has the ability to deal with the rat-a-tat-tat of the Railway fences, and the Tingle Creek is a lovely race." Earlier, the McCain family kicked off what is always the biggest day of their year with the victory of Peddlers Cross in the Mersey Novice Hurdle. The novice is now unbeaten in six starts, including successes at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. "He'd recovered within half an hour of his Cheltenham run," Donald McCain said. "We were almost hoping for a sign that would stop us coming here because you see so many Cheltenham winners not doing it here. "He's a hell of a good horse and he's improving and learning to race all the time. He's jumped better again today and he's a serious tool. I've never had one like him.

"I was looking forward to Cheltenham but I came here today thinking I was on a hiding to nothing because you just don't want to make a mess of horses like this. "I don't know [about going chasing next season]. His first run is likely to be over hudles just to get the fizz out of him and after that we'll see." 2.56pm Khyber Kim wins Aintree Hurdle, Ruby takes nasty fall Great drama in the Aintree Hurdle, in which the favourite, Zaynar, was just about the first beaten. Khyber Kim ran on well to win impressively, though he may have had trouble from Celestial Halo, who was cruising until taking a crashing fall at the second-last. Celestial Halo's jockey, Ruby Walsh, is being treated on the track and we must hope he is not injured. 3pm Odds on that race Khyber Kim won at 7-2, Muirhead was second at 10-1, Zaynar ran on when it was too late to snatch third at 11-8, just ahead of Won In The Dark and Petit Robin.

3.08pm Ruby being stretchered off the course This does not look good. Ruby Walsh has just been stretchered off the racecourse with his arm in a sling. He will not ride in the next race, the 3.25pm, in which Nick Scholfield will take his place on Tatenen. It also looks very much as though the National favourite, Big Fella Thanks, is in need of another jockey. Any volunteers? 3.13pm Walsh has a suspected broken arm Ruby Walsh is out of the Grand National and, indeed, will not be riding for some time. He has a suspected broken arm, following his fall in the Aintree Hurdle and is on his way to hospital. 3.14pm Richard Johnson rides in the National! The unfortunate Walsh may be replaced by Richard Johnson, who would certainly be the most experienced jockey at Aintree who did not already have a National ride. He is the only jump jockey, apart from Tony McCoy, to have ridden more than 2,000 winners. Paul Nicholls' team are discussing whether Johnson or Barry Geraghty will be on Big Fella Thanks. The other one will ride Tricky Trickster.

3.18pm Big Fella on the slide Newly out to 11.5-1 on Betfair. 3.18pm Geraghty on Big Fella Thanks! Paul Nicholls has decided that Barry Geraghty will be switched onto Big Fella Thanks from Tricky Trickster in the Grand National. Richard Johnson has been called up to partner Tricky Trickster. 3.27pm No reason to worry about the new jockey, Big Fella fans Barry Geraghty rode Big Fella Thanks on his most recent run, when he won a valuable race at Newbury. Richard Johnson has never ridden Tricky Trickster before. 3.31pm Johnson warms up with a winner Richard Johnson, newly called up to Grand National duty, has just won the preceding race on From Dawn To Dusk (12-1), who finished strongly to power away from Dom D'Orgeval (8-1). The runner-up got a dream run and looked the most likely winner for most of the home straight but got tired before the winner.

3.34pm The other places for that race Rare Bob (8-1) held on to third place ahead of Wogan, the 5-1 favourite. 3.45pm: OK, James here. You'll be with my incapable hands for the next hour and a bit. My 1-2-3-4? 1) Sad Ken Backstage; 2) Cerium; 3) Mon Mome; 4) Eric's Charm. There's four to avoid, for starters. And as it's National time, how about some lump-in-the-throat-inducing sounds from Carl Davis ? 3.48pm: Latest betting : Big Fella Thanks 9-1; Snowy Morning 12-1; The Package 12-1; Black Apalachi 14-1; State Of Play 14-1; Arbor Supreme 16-1; Mon Mome 16-1. News from the course: Flintoff has been backed as short as 40-1 in from 80s after the horse, part-owned by the former England cricketer, was tipped up by that famous tipster ... Peter Kay on BBC1.

3.52pm: The parade ring is filling up with the contenders for this year's race. Richard Dunwoody points to Flintoff (the horse) and declares, "he looks pretty switched off - a bit like his owner". 3.55pm: My Will is the paddock pick on the BBC and has been backed down as short as 29-1 on Betfair, where you can still get 11.5-1 on the favourite Big Fella Thanks. 3.57pm: Click-clack, click-clack, click-clack: here come the jockeys, led by last year's winner Liam Treadwell, who goes on Nozic today ... 3.59pm: After lining up for the customary jockey photograph - how do they choose who goes in the front row and the back? - the riders head off to meet their connections. Dream Alliance has been halved in price to 20s with the regular layers, while Beat The Boys is now 33-1 (75-1 on Betfair), having been 200s last night.

4pm: "His father gifted it [to me] as a wedding present," explains Andrew Flintoff of the horse in his name. "It can't lose," he adds with a smile. 4.04pm: Claire Balding may be a decent anchor, especially when milling around the owners, connections and riders involved in the parade ring. But she's no Martin Brundle , that's for sure. 4.07pm: Seven of the last 10 winning jockeys have worn green. This bodes well for Mon Mome, obviously, Black Apalachi, Cerium, Irish Raptor and the JP McManus pair Can't Buy Time and King Johns Castle. And Cloudy Lane. 4.09pm: The Aintree grandstands are being treated to the pre-race ride-along. It's still a beautiful afternoon in the north-west, with a little more cloud cover, but it's a gorgeous day for the Grand National. 4.11pm: Don't Push It is now joint favourite with Big Fella Thanks at 10-1 - Comply Or Die is 12-1. Dream Alliance is now in to 18s.

Hello Bud has also been slashed to 22s from 40-1. Nozic is now half the 100-1 he was a little earlier. 4.12pm: Tony McCoy rides the new joint-favourite. He's sweating at the start (the horse not AP), but Kinane insists it's nothing to be worried about. 4.14pm: Mon Mome is reported to now be "a bit worked up", and The Package also looks "a little too warm". 4.15pm: The first glimpse of the race starter as the field begin to circle around ... 4.16pm: And we're off ... OR ARE WE? 4.17pm: False start. A host of horses were out the back of the field and King Johns Castle doesn't even have his jockey on board ... 4.18pm: Paul Carberry still isn't in the saddle of King Johns Castle, which is forcing a longer delay to the restart ... AND THEY'RE OFF ... Carberry gets in the saddle but King Johns Castle isn't having any of it and forlornly watches the field speed into the distance ... Eric's Charm goes down at the first ...

Pablo Du Charmil down at the second ... My Will down at the fourth ... Black Apalachi leads ... Made In Taipan falls ... Snowy Morning and Comply Or Die both well placed ... Conna Castle clears the Canal Turn well in the front ... Can't Buy Time went down at the Canal Turn, but it's Conna Castle and Black Apalachi leading the field ... across the Melling Road for the second time on the first lap and it's Conna Castle four lengths clear of Black Apalachi and then Sam Twiston-Davies on Hello Bud ... coming towards the end of the first lap, it's still Conna Castle and Black Apalachi - Irish Raptor falls ... the leading pair are still a good half a dozen lengths clear ... 30 horses make the end of the first lap ... Flintoff is last ... Big Fella Thanks is fourth behind the aforementioned top three ... Madison Du Berlais and The Package both unseat their riders ... Backstage falls ... over Becher's on the second lap, a big mistake from Conna Castle and Black Apalachi leads - Ballyfitz goes down ...

at the Canal Turn for a second time, Don't Push It moves up to fourth with AP on board ... Black Apalachi leads, with Hello Bud, Big Fella Thanks and Don't Push It. Dream Alliance is out, as is Mon Mome ... a mistake from Black Apalachi as Don't Push It moves menacingly into third ... one of four now, surely: Black Apalachi leads round the final turn, with Hello Bud second, Don't Push It and Big Fella Thanks ... it's Don't Push It v Black Apalachi now at the elbow ... AP McCOY WINS ONE ON DON'T PUSH IT 1) Don't Push It 10-1jf, trained by Jonjo O'Neill 2) Black Apalachi 14-1 3) State Of Play 16-1 4) Big Fella Thanks 10-1jf Hello Bud finishes fifth, Snowy Morning in sixth, Nina Carberry and Character Building seventh. McCoy is interviewed and is doing all he can not to burst into tears, declaring that "I'm being a big wuss. It means everything to me to win the Grand National.

I've won lots of big races and I'm supposed to be a good jockey, but to not win the Grand National would be a bit of a negative on the CV. I'm delighted for my mum and dad as they've been great for me throughout the years, and for my wife Chanelle and my daughter Eve, who is two and a half. Hopefully now she'll be proud of me when she grows up." He adds: "If you get enough goes at something and you get yourself in there, you always have a chance of winning." Crikey, I see why the BBC have about 189 commentators to deal with that race. I'm shattered. Triumph for the enduring partnership of Jonjo O'Neill and JP McManus | Sport | The Guardian The Observer Triumph for the enduring partnership of Jonjo O'Neill and JP McManus Trainer and owner who have been linked for five decades end their long pursuit of a high-profile win Jonjo O'Neill, JP McManus and Tony McCoy after winning the John Smith's Grand National on Don't Push It.

Photograph: David Davies/PA Saturday 10 April 2010 14.31 EDT First published on Saturday 10 April 2010 14.31 EDT Close This article is 6 years old Jonjo O'Neill took his children on a walk on the Grand National course before the start of racing. The party reached the Canal Turn and O'Neill paused. "This is the end, isn't it?" he said. "I never got any further than this, in eight attempts." Despite enjoying a successful career in racing for over 30 years and being one of the most popular men in the sport, luck has not always been on the side of the 57-year-old. O'Neill was a hugely successful jump jockey, twice winning the rider's championship and partnering a total of 901 winners and enjoying famous associations with the likes of Sea Pigeon, on whom he won the 1980 Champion Hurdle, and the 1986 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Dawn Run. However, his time in the saddle came at a price and he retired with metal pins holding the bones together in both arms, and plates and screws in both legs.

Nor has Aintree always been such a happy place. In 1979, he was riding the Gold Cup winner Alverton when the horse was killed in a fall at Becher's Brook. "Losing the National meant nothing; losing the horse was a tragedy," he later said. O'Neill's greatest battle was still to come, as he had to fight for years to conquer lymphatic cancer, a condition which he had become aware of less than six weeks after retiring from riding in 1986. It was during his time as a rider that O'Neill first struck up a friendship with JP McManus, but it was a partnership which endured and flourished when McManus bought the Jackdaws Castle training complex in 2001 and installed O'Neill, who had by now made a name for himself as a trainer. "I was thinking today that it's been about five decades that we've had an association – a long, long time," said McManus, who has kept faith in O'Neill despite years since that have occasionally been thin on big-race winners. "This horse has needed individual training but Jonjo knows how to get the best out of him. There have been some quiet days but this is something very special.

To win the National is great, but to win it with Jonjo and AP [McCoy] is special." Described as being "a little bit mentally unstable" by McCoy, Don't Push It was saddled in the racecourse stables and equipped with earplugs in the parade ring in the hope of keeping a lid on his nerves. Given that he was awash with sweat by the time the field reached the start, the plan probably failed to work, but it hardly seemed to matter after the race. "He has kissing spines and bad stifles – he's had a few problems really," said O'Neill. "Alan Berry rides him all the time at home and they're nearly always left on their own. He'll just be given a bit of work now and again. "I said to AP that he had the choice of which to ride [either the winner or stablemate Can't Buy Time] but I always thought that Don't Push It was a classier horse and he had the better chance of staying.

Which he did." Although McCoy may have been unable to conceal his tears as he returned to the winner's enclosure after breaking his National hoodoo with victory aboard Don't Push It, the horse's trainer has never been one to let his cards come too far away from his chest. However, to the late trainer Gordon Richards, O'Neill was "the nicest man to ever sit on a horse" and the former champion jockey Peter Scudamore described him as "an inspiration in sport and life". The 2010 Grand National was one for the good guys. Grand National 2010: Tony McCoy rides Don't Push It to victory in big race at Aintree - Telegraph Horse Racing Grand National 2010: Tony McCoy rides Don't Push It to victory in big race at Aintree Tony McCoy has finally won the Grand National as Don't Push It - his 15th ride in the race - provided the champion jockey with a famous victory at Aintree.

Champions: Tony McCoy is handed the Grand National winner's trophy by Peter Kay Photo: PA Image 1 of 3 Moment of triumph: McCoy turns to the gallery as Don't Push It crosses the line Photo: PA Leap of faith: runners and riders jump the water at Aintree Photo: PA By Telegraph staff and agencies 4:39PM BST 10 Apr 2010 Black Apalachi was prominent throughout but McCoy was always stalking him on the second circuit. As they jumped the last together, McCoy galvanised his mount to take up the running before the Elbow and the relief the record-breaking rider showed immediately afterwards was immense. An almighty gamble in the minutes before the four-and-a-half-mile marathon saw the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Don't Push It sent off the 10-1 joint-favourite along with Big Fella Thanks, with the latter ridden by Barry Geraghty in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh. Geraghty was another still going well approaching the second-last, along with 17-year-old Sam Twiston-Davies on Hello Bud.

But Black Apalachi and Don't Push It pulled clear and it was McCoy who took the plaudits as he won by five lengths. Related Articles Grand National runners guide 09 Apr 2010 State Of Play went one better than last year to stay on for third, with Big Fella Thanks fourth and Hello Bud fifth. Legendary owner-gambler JP McManus had been trying to win the Aintree spectacular for years but his ambition finally came true. Nina Carberry, attempting to become the first woman to win the race on Character Building, had a great spin round to finish seventh with Snowy Morning sixth to add to his good record in the race. Last year's winner Mon Mome still appeared to be going well when he fell at the 26th fence. A tearful McCoy said: "I'm being a big wuss. It means everything to me to win the Grand National. "I've won lots of big races and I'm supposed to be a good jockey, but to not win the Grand National would be a bit of a negative on the CV.

"I'm delighted for my mum and dad as they've been great for me throughout the years, and for my wife Chanelle and my daughter Eve, who is two and a half. "Hopefully now she'll be proud of me when she grows up." McCoy continued: "My trainer put me on the right one if truth be known. I asked him to toss a coin and I think he tossed it a few times until he got Don't Push It. "I couldn't have picked it, but Jonjo was very adamant and I didn't argue with him. "If you get enough goes at something and you keep going, once you're in there you've always got a chance. "I'm delighted for JP (McManus) as he's the best supporter this game has ever had and ever will have, and I'm very privileged to ride a Grand National winner in his colours." Chanelle McCoy said: "I'm speechless. For him to do this means the absolute world to him. I know he would have loved his parents to be here. "It is so emotional and for him to do it for Mr McManus and for Jonjo and Jacqui (O'Neill), it is a fantastic achievement.

It's brilliant." O'Neill said: "It's fantastic and I thought it would never happen to me. "I'm delighted it's happened and I'm delighted for AP (McCoy) and JP and all the lads. "Alan Berry does everything with this horse at home so well done to him. The horse lives out in a field with half a dozen sheep. "I didn't believe it was going to happen until they passed the post as I thought something was going to happen, but it's marvellous. "Things can't get much better than this. McManus added: "First of all I want to thank Frank Berry (racing manager) as he found the horse in Listowel and I don't think without Frank we would have had the horse. "Full marks to Jonjo and the team as he's been a difficult horse down the years to keep right and keep his mind right." Dessie Hughes said of his gallant runner-up: "He couldn't have done any more and to be honest he had too much weight. "He ran his heart out. He made one mistake but he came back again." Owner Gerard Burke added: "It's almost as good as winning.

He was up there all the way and even if he never wins a National, we got him there and he was good enough for it." Paul Nicholls said of Big Fella Thanks: "I'm chuffed to bits with him, I just doubt whether Big Fella quite stays but there were no excuses and I'm delighted for AP as it is perfect for racing." Denis O'Regan said of Black Apalachi: "I had a tremendous ride, he jumped superbly. "He's a credit to Dessie Hughes and all his team back home because he was in fantastic condition, he jumped from fence to fence. "Fair play to AP, he beat me fair and square and the best horse won on the day. Fair play to him as he's achieved so much. "He was a lot more settled this year, it was a great run." Geraghty added of Tricky Trickster: "He jumped great and travelled well. I was with AP going to the second-last but I knew he had plenty of horse under him. "It's great for AP and JP they deserve it.

I was running out of petrol going to the second-last." BBC Sport - Horse Racing - National-winning trainer and owner praise stable staff Page last updated at 16:55 GMT, Saturday, 10 April 2010 17:55 UK National-winning trainer and owner praise stable staff Advertisement Owner JP McManus and trainer Jonjo O'Neill praise the team behind Grand National winning horse Don't Push It who has been a 'difficult' horse to train. SEE ALSO Copyright © 2016 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.

2013 Grand National Trainers | Grand National Winning Trainers | Aintree | Willie Mullins | Nicky Henderson | Jonjo O'Neill | David Pipe | Donald McCain | Alan King Trainers 2013 Grand National Trainers The Grand National is the pinnacle for any racehorse trainer as they look to etch their name alongside some of the greats in equine history and the 2012 Grand National will no doubt have a plethora of trainers looking to add the Aintree marathon to their CV. Some would have already lifted the coveted crown earlier in their careers, but some will be aiming to win the title for the first time and see their status as a national hunt trainer take a meteoric rise up the ranks. We take a look at some of the leading names to watch out for in the 2012 Grand National. Willie Mullins Willie Mullins has already tasted success in the Grand National as he trained Hedgehunter to victory in 2005, aided by Ruby Walsh, and the pair are sure to have a lively contender for the 2012 Grand National, with On His Own looking the Co. Carlow trainer's leading chance.

However, Mullins could unleash a huge battalion on the race with last year's favourite The Midnight Club looking to improve on his disappointing performance 12 months ago, whilst Quiscover Fontaine could also line up for the leading Irish trainer. David Pipe David Pipe emulated his father's achievements in 2008 by winning the Grand National in 2008 with Comply Or Die and the Pond House handler could have a strong team heading to the 2012 renewal with the team spearheaded by Junior. The former Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival winner has been primed for this race and if he could build on his creditable run in the Grimthorpe Chase will be a major player.Â Meanwhile, Swing Bill could also line up for the 4m 4f contest on April 14. Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson may have been one of the leading names in the national hunt scene for the last few decades, but the master of Seven Barrows has failed to add the Grand National title to his illustrious CV, so he will be hoping he can gain better fortunes in the 2012 running.

Henderson will be solely represented in the 2012 running with the improving Shakalakaboomboom spearheading his charge on the race, and that raider will certainly be a popular runner in the race/ Paul Nicholls In very much the same way as Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls may dominate the national hunt scene with his array of top class jumpers, but the Ditcheat handler is another who has failed to train the winner of the Grand National, but he may only have one contender in the 2012 running. Neptune Collonges has shown over the last few years that he oozes class and has been placed in a Cheltenham Gold Cup, as well as lifting up Grade One titles during his career.Â However, he will be handed a new task by Nicholls on April 14 and will be sent to the Grand National.Â At the age of 11, he is very much hitting the twilight of his career, but a usually sound jumper, he could well be a lively outsider for Nicholls.

Donald McCain The McCain dynasty continues to roll on and a name synonymous with the Grand National continues to farm out potential candidates for the Aintree showpiece with Donald McCain looking to send 2011 winner Ballabriggs back to Merseyside to try and emulate Red Rum, who was trained by his father Ginger, and bag back-to-back titles. Ballabriggs produced a sensational performance last season to fend off Oscar Time and he will be one of the favourites heading into the 2012 Grand National and a replication of that effort will see him go close in an intrguing renewal. Jonjo O'Neill Don't Push It handed Jonjo O'Neill his first ever Grand National crown in 2010 and it could be another JP McManus-owned horse that could potentially add a second title to the Jackdaws Castle trainer's record. Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised has already shown his class this season by winning the Cheltenham Festival showpiece and he could well line up as he looks to add the Grand National crown to a career that has seen him win both a Midlands National and Welsh National.

2012 Cheltenham Festival winner Sunnyhillboy could be another lively Jonjo O'Neill contender with AP McCoy have the unenviable job of trying to pick the best of the pair, as he too aims for a second Grand National crown. Â

Question: Who was the trainer of the 2010 Grand National winning horse Don't Push It?
Answer: JONJO O'NEILL